#TBT: Before the Stars Earned Their Stripes

For most, the #USWNT is a group of fearless women representing their country while fighting for the ultimate prize in women’s soccer.

But for others, especially family and friends, the player everyone else sees on the field is just the silly girl who grew up before their very own eyes.

In honor of #TBT, we’ve compiled the 23 best photos of your #USWNT before they were the players you root for every day.

On #FridayNight the USA will come out onto the pitch for the #USAvSWE match in Winnipeg. But first, let’s take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the fact that before all of this, before the bright lights and the world stage, that player you dearly admire was once just a five-year-old with a big smile and an even bigger dream.